I got the chance to ask her some questions about the Lean Body Cookbook and so much more. I had so much fun picking her brain to bring you some awesome info, so I hope you enjoy!
- · What makes this cookbook different from the other two you have out right now?
This is such an
awesome question! The Bikini Cookbook is very focused on keeping the calories
lower and macros in check. The second, Comfort Foods and Tailgate Treats is
more about turning delicious snacks and comfort foods into healthier
versions.
Leading up to creating
The Lean Body Cookbook I had toyed around with a gluten free, Paleo diet and
focusing on eating foods that truly fuel the body so we can lose fat and build
lean muscle. High quality foods our body can truly use as fuel.
Additionally it's more
than just a cookbook. I go through setting up a personalized meal plan to teach
the reader to create one for themselves... Things like calculating how many
calories the individual burns in a day and what that means in terms of fat
loss. It dives into each macronutrient, what they are and how each of them
serve a purpose in reaching our goals.
Last, with each of the
40+ recipes I go through the timing of each recipe and when each of them could
be eaten based on the time of day we workout.
- · How long did it take for you to personally figure out nutrition?
You know, I really
think my education on nutrition is continuously evolving. Years ago I always
thought it was simply about calories, then as I educated myself through my own
fitness journey, helping others with theirs and just continuing education
through NASM, I learned that there's so much more to it.
Of course I feel like
I'm at the top of my game right now and that it all makes sense but there's so
many more experiences to be had and there's so much information that's yet to
come out. But I think the most important thing I have come to understand as a
coach, and I can help others understand is that it's not a one size fits all
deal. That a meal plan is going to be VERY different from one individual to the
next.
- · What is one piece of advice you would give someone who is a newbie at trying to eat healthy?
overwhelmed is the first step in the WRONG direction. Keep it simple. If it came from the earth, eat it. if it comes from a box/ bag/ can skip it. Berries, beef, oats, almonds, avocados, potatoes, kale, chicken, seeds.. all of these things can be found in nature - they were put here for a reason. Eat them until you feel full and don’t worry about anything else. if we listen very closely, our bodies will tell us what we need.
- · What is your favorite recipe from the cookbook?
Right now I’m super into the
sweet potato pancakes. I got out of the habit of having starch after my workout
because sometimes eating half a sweet potato out of a tupperware can get old.
But making these has been a game changer.
- · What are 3 foods you can always find in your kitchen?
1- Peanut butter. I want to
tell you it’s because we give it t our dog in a Kong when we leave, but it’s
me. I FREAKING LOVE PEANUT BUTTER.
2- Bananas. They go in
smoothies. They make great muffins. But really, they go GREAT with peanut
butter ;)
3- Eggs. Once again, super
versatile and super quick. A wonderful source of healthy fat and protein.
- What do you think is more important, nutrition or training?
Sneaky question Esther! They
are both so important and really go hand in hand. And it ultimately depends on
your goal, but I’ll tell you... if you don’t eat clean you are gonna feel like
crap. It’s difficult of concentrate at work. You’re training will suffer. Your
immune function will be come deficient. Your body won’t look healthy and strong
the way we want them to.
I’ve also trained clients who
have lost fat just from diet change alone. I am talking about no working out at
all, just a meal plan that serves their body, life and goals and I have seen
massive changes.
A healthy meal plan is the
foundation to total health. Period.
- · If one of your clients isn’t seeing results what is one of the first things your look at?
Recently I have found that so
many women overeat. it’s been ingrained in our imaginations that if we want to
lose, we need to eat less. To the point many of us have become afraid of food.
If my client is following the
protocol I set up for him/ her in the gym then I ask them to track their food
for a few typical days. And this has to be an honest, typical day of eating.
How many calories is the person consuming vs burning? So often I see women who
burn upwards of 2300 calories a day, who barely consume 1300 a day then wonder
why they can’t drop that fat covering up their abs.
Grossly undereating causes
fat to be stored and it makes it impossible to build lean muscle.
It’s also important to see
where those calories are coming from. Are the carbs sky high and protein at a
bare minimum? Are the calories coming from quality sources? Fat, protein and
carbs must all be eaten, not one neglected, to have a balanced diet that will
allow for fat loss and muscle gain.
·
Why are treat meals important and what your
favorite treat meal?
If you, the reader, can take
one thing from this interview I hope that you take the idea of balance. It’s
the yin and the yang. Balance must always be present, and that’s in eating
too. Going too long without a meal
that you truly enjoy, deep down in your soul, is just sad!
Of course, there is a time
and place for a short term strict diet, but I am all about coaching for a
lifestyle of fat loss. It’s like going for a run.. if you sprint you can go
really fast, but after a short time you just can’t go that fast anymore and you
have to stop. But if you go out for a jog you can make it a lot further before
you have to stop.
I think of eating the same
way. If you are so super strict, soon you will find yourself face down in a
pizza. Then you wake up the next day, beat yourself up and swear you need to be
perfect again and it turns into a very unhealthy cycle.
But if you maybe put a little
yummy bacon in your breakfast, then have a spoonful of peanut butter before bed
or a glass of wine because you had a long day, then you can be satisfied from
that little treat and then move on and eat a salad for your next meal.
Some people say food is fuel,
and it is, but it’s more than that. There are a lot of emotions tied into food,
celebrations, feelings... You should never resent yourself from eating
something you truly love. It can nourish your soul. But make it mindful and
truly savor it.
For me, my favorite food in
the entire world is a good ol’ buttermilk biscuit with sausage gravy, but I
won’t settle for subpar there, so normally it’s just a bowl of Cinnamon Toast
Crunch! haha
Isn't Kyra just so awesome, guys?! She is one of my favorite fitness roll models to follow. She has so much info to share about health and fitness but isn't shy about enjoying some weekend drinks or some bacon on her burger! I wish there were more 'real' fitness personalities out there!
Anyways, be sure to follow Kyra on:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thegetinshapegirl
Twitter: @getnshapegirl
Instagram: @thegetinshapegirl
If you're interested in purchasing the Lean Body Cookbook click here.
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